Great African-American Experience Movies

Great African-American Experience Movies

These movies span the full range of African-American cinema, from the funny but powerful Spike Lee film "Do the Right Thing" to the sentimental drama of Alice Walker's novel-turned-movie "The Color Purple." Teens and parents will find much to appreciate in these films that bring to life the experiences of the past, from the Civil War to Civil Rights, that have shaped us all. —Common Sense Media (Photos: Warner/Universal)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Great African-Am...These movies span the full range of African-American cinema, from the funny but powerful Spike Lee film "Do the Right Thing" to the sentimental drama of Alice Walker's novel-turned-movie "The Color Purple." Teens and parents will find much to appreciate in these films that bring to life the experiences of the past, from the Civil War to Civil Rights, that have shaped us all. —Common Sense Media (Photos: Warner/Universal)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this movie, which is based on the landmark play by Lorraine Hansberry, deals with racism in a very honest, often painful way. Mature topics and themes include abortion and poverty; one African-American character demeans himself by playing into white stereotypes of African-Americans and uses the "N" word, but it's understandable within the context of the story. The central family members don't always agree, but in the end they're all working for a better life. Aside from the complex subject matter, the movie has very little iffy content, making it an excellent choice for watching with older tweens and teens. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Sony Pictures Television)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this documentary film features a lot of intense discussion by two young men about their experiences with parental separation and divorce, familial drug use, extreme poverty, sport-related injury, urban blight and violence, as well as teen pregnancy, all while they are trying to earn college basketball scholarships. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Kartemquin Films)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this movie depicts the violent beginnings of a rape of a very young protagonist. The entire assault isn't shown, but it's clear what will happen. When Maya identifies her rapist, her uncles kill him. The movie also conveys strong messages about overcoming adversity and learning to love yourself as you are. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Tomorrow Entertainment)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Malcolm X," Spike Lee's epic biopic about the black minister, leader, and human rights activist, features some scenes of racial violence, notably disturbing news footage, and two violent incidents that involve guns and blood. Language is strong, but infrequent, except for many uses of the "N" word. Malcolm's early days living a life of crime include many references to and images of drugs and prostitution, and he also has an active sex life (everything changes when he becomes a Muslim). Teens should be OK, given the overall power and significance of this film, and the undeniably positive message it brings. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Warner Bros.)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this thought-provoking documentary, which features prominent African Americans talking about how they feel about their race and racial identity within a predominantly white culture, is one to watch and discuss with your teens. There are some strong positive messages about self-acceptance, empowerment, and community, but the film also addresses heavy topics like discrimination, sexism, and sexuality. Expect some strong language and occasional profanity. That said, many of these words aren't used gratuitously but are instead offered within the context of the interviewees' personal stories. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Indican)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this intense drama is the adaptation of award-wining author Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple" and deals with serious themes, incest, marital abuse, overt racism and sexism, that are not appropriate for young children. On the other hand, mature teenagers will benefit from seeing the movie, as it will open their eyes about the difficulties women, especially black women, experienced in the early 20th century. Many scenes include glimpses of violence and abuse, all against women, but here are also positive messages about the importance of women's relationships with other women, the power of the sisterly bond, and the human capacity to overcome oppression. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Warner Home Video)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this powerful documentary depicts real-life racial violence, cruelty, bigotry, and name-calling. The fact that these events are true history might be more disturbing to kids and teens than fictional fare. There are scenes and images of African Americans being victimized by their white neighbors, including riots, beatings, the results of lynchings, murder, and general injustice. In addition, Southern government officials deliver angry tirades against the African Americans in their communities, describing them as less than full human beings and using multiple racial slurs, including the "N" word. However, for mature kids and teens, this film is an even-handed, solid, and accurate record of this crucial time in the history of America. —Common Sense Media (Photo: PBS)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this Chris Rock documentary includes some mature themes related to race, femininity, and class. There's a fair amount of strong language, conversations about how hair affects sexual relationships, and consumerism (mostly hair-product brands). Kids will see two approaches, African-American celebrities like Eve, Raven Symone, and Nia Long are straight up about masking their natural hair with expensive weaves, while a few outspoken women rage against the "slavery" of a straightening regime and sport their natural locks (or, in one case, a bald head). —Common Sense Media (Photo: Roadside Attractions)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that there is graphic war violence here; all the bloody killings may be too much for many tweens and some teens. Know your kid. Also, the movie deals with racism and other mature themes. Note: most of the soldiers here die in service. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Columbia Tristar)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this Spike Lee film is an intense study of racism as it existed in an urban U.S. neighborhood during the late 1980s. There are many angry racial confrontations using provocative, coarse language and highly-charged racial taunts. Violence realistically depicted includes: a riot, fistfights, a crowd setting fire to a restaurant, a man being choked by police using a baton. One sexual scene shows a couple during foreplay and uses extreme close-ups of a woman's body parts: her legs, her breasts, her neck. A leading character drinks beer continuously. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Universal Studios Home Entertainment)The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.